Graduate FAQs

Question: What’s the difference between the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and the Master of Arts in Language, Literature, and Translation (MALLT)?A: The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is one of the three departments that make up MALLT. The others are the Department of French, Italian, and Comparative Literature and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. Any student who wishes to obtain a Master of Arts in Spanish would apply to the Spanish M.A. program. Grad students with a double concentration (for example, Spanish and French) or are interested in a degree in Spanish Translation would apply to the MALLT Program and their degrees will read Master of Arts in Language, Literature, and Translation with a concentration in a specific field, such as Spanish Translation.

Question: Do I have to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or any other special admissions exam?A: Neither the Graduate School nor the Department of Spanish and Portuguese requires the GRE; MALLT still requires that all prospective students take the GRE although there is no required minimum score. International students must take the TOEFL. See Center for International Education.

Question: Is there any sort of placement test?A: Prospective Teaching Assistants must take a proficiency test prior to being awarded a TAship.

Question: Can I study abroad and, if so, will the courses count?A: While the Department of Spanish and Portuguese does encourage students to study abroad, in order to receive credit, such courses must be approved in writing by the student’s major advisor and the Department Chair in advance of travel. There are limits to the number of credits allowed.

Question: Can I take courses outside of the Department?A: Yes, with the consent of the Graduate Advisor and Department Chair, students in Spanish may take some electives outside of the department.

Question: Is there a special form for Recommendation Letters?A: We prefer that you ask your recommenders to use institutional stationery and to send their letters directly to Prof. Kathy Wheatley (wheatley@uwm.edu), the Graduate Advisor in Spanish.

Question: What is the deadline for applying to grad school?A: See the Graduate School Deadlines. The Department has no fixed deadline.

Question: What programs of study are offered in Spanish at the graduate level?A: Besides the M.A. in Spanish, students may choose either the “Double Concentration Track” or the “Translation Track.” The M.A. in Spanish is geared with an emphasis on culture, literature and linguistics, but it is also possible to take certain electives outside of the department. The Translation Track allows for few electives. Both the “Double Concentration Track” and the “Translation Track” require admission by MALLT.

Question: How long does it take to get an M.A.?A: The MA degree requires 30 credits and a Comprehensive Exam. It is possible to complete this work in 4-5 semesters although students are allowed up to 5 years to complete all requirements.